Total Dreamboat by Katelyn Doyle Book Review: A Sizzling Cruise Rom-Com That Sails Straight to the Heart
- Joao Nsita
- Jun 30
- 5 min read
Introduction
What happens when a luxury cruise turns into a whirlwind of romance and chaos? Total Dreamboat by Katelyn Doyle, author of Just Some Stupid Love Story, is an irresistible rom-com that sets sail in the Caribbean, blending humor, heart, and heat. Following a heartbroken writer and a sober chef, this novel delivers a forced-proximity romance that’s as refreshing as a sea breeze. Praised as “fresh and fun as hell” by People Magazine, Doyle’s witty storytelling makes this a must-read for summer vibes and heartfelt connections. Ready to dive into this cruise ship adventure? For more romance recommendations, visit That Love Podcast.
Book Summary
Total Dreamboat follows Hope Lanover, a New York writer whose relationship and creative spark have fizzled, prompting her to join her influencer best friend, Lauren, on a luxury Caribbean cruise—despite her disdain for cruises. Felix Segrave, a British chef and recovering alcoholic, dreads leaving his restaurant but boards the same ship to honor his parents’ anniversary gift, carrying the weight of his troubled past. Their chance meeting at check-in ignites instant sparks, promising a steamy ten-day fling. But when a misunderstanding and Hope’s ex strand them in the Bahamas, sharing a bed becomes their only way home. This novel’s vibrant cruise setting, witty banter, and emotional depth make it a standout rom-com with a side of adventure.
Author’s Style and Craft
Katelyn Doyle’s prose sparkles like Caribbean waves under moonlight, blending sharp humor with tender emotion. Her dual-POV narrative immerses readers in Hope’s witty cynicism and Felix’s guarded vulnerability, with pacing that mirrors the ebb and flow of a cruise. The dialogue pops—Hope’s sassy quips clash deliciously with Felix’s dry British charm, as seen in their buffet-line banter. Doyle’s vivid descriptions of moonlit decks and island escapades create a cinematic backdrop, while her character development transforms Hope from lost to empowered and Felix from stoic to open-hearted. This masterful blend of humor, heat, and heart elevates Total Dreamboat into a rom-com gem.
Quote: “Is that an arch tone I detect, Miss Lanover? I thought we agreed you were going to impersonate a basic ass bitch and have fun drinking margs and rotting in the sun with your boobs out.” – Lauren
Themes and Deeper Meaning
Total Dreamboat explores second chances, self-discovery, and the courage to confront personal demons. Hope’s struggle to reclaim her “badass” self reflects universal battles with identity, while Felix’s sobriety journey tackles addiction and redemption. The cruise ship serves as a metaphor for escape, where characters confront their pasts in a confined, chaotic paradise. Themes of class differences and betrayal add depth, resonating with societal pressures to perform or conform. Doyle’s sensitive handling of Felix’s alcoholism and Hope’s heartbreak invites readers to reflect on healing through vulnerability, making this a rom-com with soul and substance.
Strengths
Doyle’s Total Dreamboat shines with its clever banter, vibrant setting, and relatable characters. The cruise ship backdrop—from Elvis impersonators to island excursions—creates a lively, immersive world, as seen in Hope and Felix’s moonlit walk. The quirky supporting cast, like Lauren’s influencer antics, adds humor and charm. The chemistry between Hope and Felix sizzles, their stranded-in-paradise moment delivering both spice and heart. Doyle’s body-positive portrayal of Hope and sensitive depiction of Felix’s sobriety are empowering, grounding the comedy in authenticity. These strengths make the novel a delightful escape, perfect for readers craving laughter and emotional resonance.
Areas for Improvement
While Total Dreamboat dazzles, it stumbles slightly in pacing and resolution. The third-act misunderstanding feels formulaic, resolving too quickly for some readers, particularly those who prefer deeper emotional exploration. Secondary characters, like Felix’s sisters, could benefit from more development to enhance the family dynamic. These elements might frustrate fans of slower, more introspective romances, though the humor and spice keep it engaging. Doyle could tighten the climax by deepening the emotional stakes and fleshing out supporting characters, ensuring a more balanced narrative without sacrificing the rom-com charm. These tweaks would make an already strong novel even more unforgettable.
Comparative Analysis
Total Dreamboat echoes the witty, heartfelt vibe of Doyle’s Just Some Stupid Love Story (Amazon), but its cruise setting and forced-proximity trope add a fresh twist. Compared to Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation (Amazon), it shares a vacation romance vibe but stands out with its spicier tone and unique addiction narrative. Unlike many rom-coms, Doyle’s novel blends serious themes like sobriety with humor, offering a fresh take on the genre. Its Caribbean flair and quirky cast make it a standout for fans of contemporary romance.
Target Audience
Total Dreamboat is a treasure for romance readers aged 18–45, especially fans of rom-coms, forced-proximity tropes, and vacation settings. Women who enjoy witty, steamy stories with strong, relatable heroines will connect with Hope’s journey. Book clubs seeking humor and heartfelt discussions will love its themes of redemption and self-discovery. Content warnings include explicit romantic scenes (3/5 spice level), references to alcoholism, and mild language, unsuitable for younger readers. Its blend of comedy, heat, and emotional depth makes it ideal for those craving a fun yet meaningful summer read.
Personal Impact
Total Dreamboat swept me away like a Caribbean wave, leaving me laughing and reflective. Hope’s quest to rediscover her spark mirrored my own moments of reinvention, while Felix’s sobriety journey stirred empathy for second chances. The novel’s humor—especially Lauren’s influencer chaos—kept me grinning, while its heartfelt moments lingered like a sunset sail. This is a story that begs to be shared, offering readers a chance to escape and heal through love and laughter.
Total Dreamboat by Katelyn Doyle is a vibrant, steamy rom-com that blends humor, heart, and a stunning cruise setting. Its clever banter, relatable characters, and poignant themes of redemption make it a must-read, despite minor pacing hiccups. Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and spicy vacation romances, it’s a summer escape that delivers.
Grab your copy on Amazon and set sail with Hope and Felix.
Like a perfect cruise fling, this book will leave you longing for more. For more romance recommendations, visit That Love Podcast.
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About the Author
Katelyn Doyle, a rising star in contemporary romance, crafts witty, heartfelt rom-coms like Just Some Stupid Love Story and Total Dreamboat. Also writing as USA Today bestselling historical romance author Scarlett Peckham, she brings feminist flair to her stories. A Columbia University graduate and former PR executive, Doyle lives in Los Angeles with her husband and tiny cat. A lifelong romance addict, she began stealing her grandmother’s bodice rippers at eleven. When not writing, she enjoys diamond painting and Bravo marathons. Follow her at KatelynDoyleWrites.com, Macmillan, and Romance.io.
FAQ
What is Total Dreamboat about?A rom-com about Hope, a writer, and Felix, a chef, whose cruise ship fling turns chaotic when they’re stranded together.
Who is Katelyn Doyle?Author of Just Some Stupid Love Story and Total Dreamboat, also writing historical romance as Scarlett Peckham.
What genre is this book?Contemporary romance, rom-com, with forced-proximity, vacation, and insta-love tropes.
Is Total Dreamboat spicy?Yes, it features open-door romantic scenes (3/5 spice level), suitable for adults.
What are the main themes?Second chances, self-discovery, sobriety, and class differences, with a focus on healing.
Who should read this book?Fans of rom-coms, forced-proximity, and vacation romances, aged 18–45.
Are there content warnings?Explicit scenes, mild language, and references to alcoholism; not for younger readers.
How does it compare to Doyle’s other work?Spicier and more vacation-focused than Just Some Stupid Love Story, with similar wit.
Where can I buy it?Available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.
Is it part of a series?No, it’s a standalone novel, per Goodreads.
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